The steel fiber used in underground mining or tunnel construction is a material made from high-strength steel filaments, specifically designed to reinforce ground support in underground excavations. This material is manufactured through a cold-drawing process that transforms steel into fine filaments with exceptional strength and durability properties, making it an ideal option for demanding and high-risk environments, such as underground operations.

Steel fiber is used as a complement to other ground support systems, such as anchor bolts, steel mesh, and support arches. When integrated with these systems, steel fiber significantly improves the support and resistance capacity of the excavated ground. Its primary function is to prevent deformation or collapse of the excavation by providing a reinforcing network that more efficiently distributes the loads acting on the excavation walls.

Steel fiber also plays a crucial role in stabilizing excavations, especially in more unstable terrains or when rapid installation is required to maintain the safety of the work area. Its flexibility and resistance to fatigue allow steel fiber to adapt to variations in the ground, providing additional support without affecting the integrity of the installed anchoring systems or arches.